Harvard Partners with UToronto to Safeguard International Students: Essential Contingency Plans Unveiled

Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) has announced that returning international students can now study at Canada’s University of Toronto. This move comes as the Trump administration puts pressure on Harvard, America’s oldest institution.

HKS Dean Jeremy Weinstein expressed confidence in the school’s plans. He shared that these contingency options will ensure all students receive a top-notch public policy education, even if they cannot reach the US this year. “We are grateful for the joint efforts with the Munk School and others who help us provide quality education,” he noted.

The plan allows both incoming and returning students to study remotely through a blended-learning model. This includes online classes and up to three in-person sessions held in various cities globally. Students can also take courses at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy in Toronto, where they’ll learn from faculty from both institutions.

Weinstein emphasized that the goal is to welcome all students to campus while addressing their concerns about travel restrictions. This initiative stems from HKS’s large international student population, which represents 52% of its student body compared to around 27% across Harvard University as a whole.

The university has faced considerable challenges since early April, when it stood firm against the government’s demands. Notably, President Trump’s attempts to limit Harvard’s ability to enroll international students have been temporarily halted by federal judges, allowing continued international admissions while the legal battles unfold.

Broader government initiatives, like travel bans affecting numerous countries, pose additional risks for HKS’s international students. Janice Stein, founding director of the Munk School, remarked, “These are exceptional times. We’re ready to support Harvard Kennedy School’s students if they can’t finish their studies in Cambridge.”

Students considering the option in Toronto will need to apply for a Canadian study permit soon, though it’s unclear how the situation in the US will evolve.

Commenting on the partnership, Canadian Senator Tony Dean highlighted its significance, stating, “This alliance sends a strong message about building connections rather than walls.”

According to a recent YouGov poll, 57% of US adults found it unacceptable for the government to block universities from enrolling international students, while only 22% thought it acceptable. This shows public sentiment is against restricting educational opportunities.

In a shift from previous policy, Harvard announced in April that international students could accept admission from both Harvard and a non-American institution. Harvard President Alan Garber reminded everyone during commencement about the value of international students, receiving enthusiastic support from the crowd. He said, “From down the street, across the country, and around the world… just as it should be.”

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